You Could Be Me

There’s nothing worse than the fear and dread
That I feel inside not knowing where the next place I’ll lay my head
I’m old and I’m tired. I’m filled with pain
Sometimes I can remember nothing, not even my name.
I’m any eyesore to the fat cats that sit on the hill
Trapped in despair against my will
They’re concerned how I got here what mistakes did I make
Without an ounce of compassion for goodness sake
My situation so tough a bitter pill to swallow
My past so dark, my future so hollow
I pray each day for one more chance
For I am still a human being, just take a glance
fought in Iwo Jima, the Jungle of Vietnam
The beaches of Normandy, in Iraq across the burning sand
You are you. Proud and free
Just keep in mind...one day you could be me.

Donald Whitehead
Cincinnati, OH

Copyright  NEOCH and the Homeless Grapevine published Oct. – Dec. 1995 Issue 12